Steve Rothgeb

The Danger Zone

Fantasy PL Danger Zone - GW6

Gameweek 5 turned out to be a Danger Zone of epic proportions for most managers. Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott both missed out due to injuries reported too late to make amends. Situations like that cannot be predicted, nor can injuries like the one Christian Benteke suffered that saw him leave the pitch only a quarter of the way through the match. These players aren't just popular in ownership, they are popular to captain, and fantasy managers around the globe were slamming their laptops shut with some of the news that came out of Gameweek 5. The purpose of this article is to take a look at some popular prospects you may want to avoid this week for one reason or another, along with some viable alternatives:

David De Gea (Manchester United) - Things appear to be a bit unsteady under David Moyes at Old Trafford these days. United are coming off a convincing defeat at the hands of their cross town rivals, and should be licking their chops to get back on track at home to West Brom. While I think investing in the United defense is a good idea, I still don't think a clean sheet is a guarantee as West Brom are showing a bit of hop in their step with their new additions. I like to get coverage using the cheapest route possible, and for United now, a defender cheaper than De Gea will do.

Alternative: You can save over 4m to spend elsewhere if you opt for Artur Boruc of Southampton this week instead. The Saints have kept 3 clean sheets in 5 PL matches thus far, and have a home match with Crystal Palace this weekend. The addition of Dejan Lovren to Southampton's defense has turned last year's promoted side into a strong defensive unit. Palace didn't come close to scoring at home last week, Boruc for me looks a solid bet to getting that cleanie this week.

Defender

Kyle Walker(Tottenham) - Spurs defense has gotten off to an amazing start this campaign. Having previously been touted as a top level club incapable of keeping a clean sheet, they have gone against their reputation, allowing only one goal through the first five matches. That is a string of games long enough to consider it legit. Despite this, and with Spurs at home this weekend, I cannot justify the price tag for the defensive options this week with Chelsea coming to the Lane. Normally, I wouldn't waste space advising managers about not playing a defender against Chelsea, but with the current ownership level of Spurs defenders/keeper along with their brilliant form, it feels necessary to to address this week.

Alternative: This is where I see the value in investing in the Manchester United defense, specifically Nemanja Vidic, who is currently priced at a very reasonable 10.2m. For those yawning at such an obvious choice, let me offer one more for the brave: Marc Wilson. Wilson is a defender playing out-of-position in Stoke City's midfield. They have a home match against Norwich in the cards. Stoke are very tight defensively at home and Norwich's attack has looked unimpressive as of late. He has a price tag of under 9m. This is my sneaky pick of the week.

Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) - Newcastle had a nice run of fixtures and Ben Arfa took advantage. Now is the time to thank the Frenchman for his efforts and drop him this week. His current 10.44m price tag is still a value in the right scenario, but away to an unbeaten Everton is not the right scenario for me. Everton have not conceded at home yet this year, and that includes the mighty Chelsea's visit to town. Currently ranked 7th in scoring for midfielders, he will be on the radar again.

Alternative: Well, I would like to come on here every week and suggest Mesut Ozil until his price is somewhat "normalized" in the Yahoo game (he has currently climbed over the 10 mark), but I must mix things up every week. This time around, let's give some love to one of the promoted sides, Hull City Tigers. They have a young mid named Robbie Brady. If you haven't been paying attention to him, now is the time to do so. Right at 10m, he is the 3rd highest scoring midfielder in the game to date and the Tigers are home to West Ham this week, who aren't pushovers defensively mind, but generally are a bit leaky when on the road. 3rd highest scoring mid, 2% ownership. If you want to gain ground, you need to start finding players that score that no one else is using. Folks, I give you Robbie Brady.

Attacker

Olivier Giroud(Arsenal) - I am sticking my neck out on this one but I think Arsenal are up for a big challenge when they travel to Swansea City. The Swans really have their act together and I can see them winning this one outright. It's the Ozil show now for the Gunners, and Giroud is one of many potential recipients. My gut says you have already witnessed the best form Giroud will have all year and you are safer in investing in Arsenal's midfield for attacking coverage.

Alternative: If you are like me and going with Wayne Rooney, along with several other expensive options, you may be panning for some budget gold in attack. This week, I am throwing out the name Pablo Osvaldo. The Argentine striker was a record signing for Southampton, and after a gradual introduction to the XI, is firmly nailed on. The Saints host Crystal Palace this week and it presents the perfect opportunity for Osvaldo to notch his first goal for his new club. If you have the money, by all means opt for Ricky Lambert instead. But Osvaldo has the pedigree, he will come good sooner rather than later, and this scenario is a good one.

Gameweek 6

Gameweek 5 turned out to be a Danger Zone of epic proportions for most managers. Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott both missed out due to injuries reported too late to make amends. Situations like that cannot be predicted, nor can injuries like the one Christian Benteke suffered that saw him leave the pitch only a quarter of the way through the match. These players aren't just popular in ownership, they are popular to captain, and fantasy managers around the globe were slamming their laptops shut with some of the news that came out of Gameweek 5. The purpose of this article is to take a look at some popular prospects you may want to avoid this week for one reason or another, along with some viable alternatives:

David De Gea (Manchester United) - Things appear to be a bit unsteady under David Moyes at Old Trafford these days. United are coming off a convincing defeat at the hands of their cross town rivals, and should be licking their chops to get back on track at home to West Brom. While I think investing in the United defense is a good idea, I still don't think a clean sheet is a guarantee as West Brom are showing a bit of hop in their step with their new additions. I like to get coverage using the cheapest route possible, and for United now, a defender cheaper than De Gea will do.

Alternative: You can save over 4m to spend elsewhere if you opt for Artur Boruc of Southampton this week instead. The Saints have kept 3 clean sheets in 5 PL matches thus far, and have a home match with Crystal Palace this weekend. The addition of Dejan Lovren to Southampton's defense has turned last year's promoted side into a strong defensive unit. Palace didn't come close to scoring at home last week, Boruc for me looks a solid bet to getting that cleanie this week.

Defender

Kyle Walker(Tottenham) - Spurs defense has gotten off to an amazing start this campaign. Having previously been touted as a top level club incapable of keeping a clean sheet, they have gone against their reputation, allowing only one goal through the first five matches. That is a string of games long enough to consider it legit. Despite this, and with Spurs at home this weekend, I cannot justify the price tag for the defensive options this week with Chelsea coming to the Lane. Normally, I wouldn't waste space advising managers about not playing a defender against Chelsea, but with the current ownership level of Spurs defenders/keeper along with their brilliant form, it feels necessary to to address this week.

Alternative: This is where I see the value in investing in the Manchester United defense, specifically Nemanja Vidic, who is currently priced at a very reasonable 10.2m. For those yawning at such an obvious choice, let me offer one more for the brave: Marc Wilson. Wilson is a defender playing out-of-position in Stoke City's midfield. They have a home match against Norwich in the cards. Stoke are very tight defensively at home and Norwich's attack has looked unimpressive as of late. He has a price tag of under 9m. This is my sneaky pick of the week.

Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) - Newcastle had a nice run of fixtures and Ben Arfa took advantage. Now is the time to thank the Frenchman for his efforts and drop him this week. His current 10.44m price tag is still a value in the right scenario, but away to an unbeaten Everton is not the right scenario for me. Everton have not conceded at home yet this year, and that includes the mighty Chelsea's visit to town. Currently ranked 7th in scoring for midfielders, he will be on the radar again.

Alternative: Well, I would like to come on here every week and suggest Mesut Ozil until his price is somewhat "normalized" in the Yahoo game (he has currently climbed over the 10 mark), but I must mix things up every week. This time around, let's give some love to one of the promoted sides, Hull City Tigers. They have a young mid named Robbie Brady. If you haven't been paying attention to him, now is the time to do so. Right at 10m, he is the 3rd highest scoring midfielder in the game to date and the Tigers are home to West Ham this week, who aren't pushovers defensively mind, but generally are a bit leaky when on the road. 3rd highest scoring mid, 2% ownership. If you want to gain ground, you need to start finding players that score that no one else is using. Folks, I give you Robbie Brady.

Attacker

Olivier Giroud(Arsenal) - I am sticking my neck out on this one but I think Arsenal are up for a big challenge when they travel to Swansea City. The Swans really have their act together and I can see them winning this one outright. It's the Ozil show now for the Gunners, and Giroud is one of many potential recipients. My gut says you have already witnessed the best form Giroud will have all year and you are safer in investing in Arsenal's midfield for attacking coverage.

Alternative: If you are like me and going with Wayne Rooney, along with several other expensive options, you may be panning for some budget gold in attack. This week, I am throwing out the name Pablo Osvaldo. The Argentine striker was a record signing for Southampton, and after a gradual introduction to the XI, is firmly nailed on. The Saints host Crystal Palace this week and it presents the perfect opportunity for Osvaldo to notch his first goal for his new club. If you have the money, by all means opt for Ricky Lambert instead. But Osvaldo has the pedigree, he will come good sooner rather than later, and this scenario is a good one.

Steve Rothgeb is a contributor for Rotoworld.com and WorldSoccerTalk.com, a self-proclaimed fantasy sports oracle, and Tottenham Hotspur fanatic. He can be found on Twitter @FuzzyWarbles.Email :Steve Rothgeb